Storage Units in Atlanta

Atlanta, GA: Top Things to Know About Storage

Gentrification Affects Everything, Including Storage

Atlanta is home to more than 450,000 people and a lot of storage facilities. Both the population and the number of facilities is growing. So what gives? It actually all goes back to 1996, when Atlanta hosted the summer Olympic games. This caused the city to spruce up parks, sporting venues

Gentrification Affects Everything, Including Storage

Atlanta is home to more than 450,000 people and a lot of storage facilities. Both the population and the number of facilities is growing. So what gives? It actually all goes back to 1996, when Atlanta hosted the summer Olympic games. This caused the city to spruce up parks, sporting venues and neighborhoods. A lot of people in Atlanta count this as the start of more than a decade of urban revitalization, or you know, the G-word. According to a recent study, the city is gentrifying at twice the rate of the average large city. What does this mean for storage? Storage trends tend to follow housing trends as far as price and availability goes. Right now, rent is climbing and new businesses are taking root. You can expect to pay about $1,200 a month for a one bedroom apartment in Atlanta and you can expect to back around $70 a month for a 5x5 storage unit. Because gentrification tends to involve more people with a disposable income moving into a city, these individuals will likely be utilizing storage because, to put it simply, they have more stuff and they can afford to pay for the extra space. Thanks to the wide availability of storage in Atlanta, this hasn’t affected cost too much, but it can affect availability in desirable areas like Midtown where there are a lot of luxury high rises and a high percentage of young professionals. Don’t want to waste time freaking out about cost and availability? We don’t want you to either. Consider searching for storage several miles outside of where you live and your options will triple. And if you’ve got a storage unit that’s in a great area and is reasonably priced, talk to your storage facility manager to see what you can do to lock that price in for years to come.

24 Hour Storage and Atlanta Traffic

We know. We’re sorry for even mentioning Atlanta traffic. Just the thought of it probably gave you a mini panic attack. Most Atlanta residents spend an average of 52 hours a year in traffic. You can try to make things easier by avoiding storage facilities that force you to use the Connector where I-85 and I-75 merge downtown. You can even try using public transportation via the MARTA to access your storage facility (though honestly this system serves bar hoppers better than actual commuters). Most facilities that don’t offer 24 hour access are open during traditional business hours. That means that if you work traditional business hours and you need to access your storage unit, you’re looking at going there before work (rush hour) during your lunch break (rush hour) and on the way home (rush hour again). Think you can get in and out without being late for work, inadvertently taking a long lunch or before the gates close? The stress of attempting this doesn’t make much sense to us either. Use our handy-dandy search tool to seek out storage facilities in Atlanta that offer 24 hour storage and access your unit on your own schedule, not someone else’s.

You’ll Find Out Why it’s Really Called Hotlanta

First thing first: Literally no one calls it Hotlanta. Unless you want to sound like a total amateur you’ll stick to calling Atlanta by its actual name, or ATL if you’re feeling sassy. That being said, Hotlanta usually refers to the city’s wild nightlife but in the summer season you’ll be sure it’s just a synonym for the entire month of July. You probably already know how the weather is going to affect you, but have you thought about how it’s going to affect the items in your storage unit? Temperatures in Atlanta soar above 80 degrees and humidity is a force to be reckoned with. If you’re someone who leaves items in storage for long periods of time, or you’re a college student looking for summer storage, it pays to look for climate controlled storage. This type of storage is typically inside and will protect your belongings against the elements and will keep the temperature regulated. Climate controlled storage is especially important if you’re storing electronics, musical instruments, antique furniture, artwork or photographs. Humidity can really hurt those precious memories in that old photo album. Take care to make sure that your items are in good shape no matter how long you go without visiting your storage unit.

Commercial Storage in the Land of Coca-Cola

You don’t have to be a big shot executive at one of Atlanta’s many Fortune 500 companies to understand the benefits of commercial storage. Whether you’re a small business owner or a corporate jet setter flying in and out of Atlanta on a regular basis, commercial storage for your business can be a real asset to you. Look for a storage facility that will accept deliveries on your behalf and that will allow you to set up online bill pay. Depending on what you’re utilizing commercial storage for, you should also consider climate control (this is especially useful to pharmaceutical sales representatives and wine representatives). You should also look for a storage facility that will protect you and your business’s privacy when it comes to the information in your lease and the contents of your storage unit. Last but not least, look for a storage facility with great security features so that you can work hard without sweating the status of your storage unit.

Storage FAQ's

What if I need more or less space after I move in?

Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.

Will the company have access to my space?

No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.

Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?

Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.

Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?

Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Atlanta offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.

Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Atlanta?

Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Atlanta are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Atlanta.

What storage space sizes are available?

In Atlanta, there are 86 storage facilities, with a total of 31 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 3' X 8' to 11' X 40'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.

Do you have pest control?

Most facilities in Atlanta schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.

If I lose my key, can you provide another one?

No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.

Do you accept deliveries for customers?

Most storage facilities in Atlanta accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.

What access will I have to my belongings?

You have 86 facilities to choose from in Atlanta. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.

What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?

Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Atlanta to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.

What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?

Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.

How do I know what size storage I need?

Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 11' X 40' unit when you really need a 3' X 8' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.

Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?

Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.

How long is the lease and what are its terms?

Storage companies in Atlanta offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.

Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Atlanta?

Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Atlanta due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 28.4 to 41.0, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.

Do you provide your customers with movers?

No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Atlanta. See our resource guide for movers in Atlanta.

Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?

Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.

Will I receive a monthly invoice?

Most storage companies in Atlanta only provide invoices upon request.

What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?

Generally the prices of storage units in Atlanta vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 47.0 and 440.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.

Atlanta, GA Military Storage

If you’re in the military and you’re living in the great city of Atlanta, you’re probably not working at Fort McPherson or Fort Gillem. Despite their lingering online presence, both have been closed since 2011 (Weirdly enough, Fort McPherson is now owned by Tyler Perry.) If you’re relocating to work at a base in Atlanta that’s actually open, your options are going to be extremely limited. The closest major bases to Atlanta are Fort Benning and Moody Air Force Base, but they’re both several hours away from the city. If you’re looking for storage near Fort Benning, you can search here. And if you’re looking for storage near Moody Air Force Base, you can search here. For all military personnel in and around Atlanta, let’s get you up to speed on storage in your area.

Storage and Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Just 20 minutes away from the city center is Dobbins Air Reserve Base. If you’re stationed here, you’ve got the pleasure of being a part of the largest multi-service reserve training facility in the world. More than 10,000 reservists and active duty members from the air force, army, navy and marines are supported by this base. We don’t think that all 10,000 people are necessarily going to need storage at the exact same time (at least we hope not), but it’s still worthwhile to look into what the nearby options are and whether or not there’s enough space for everyone. Having this information will help you figure out whether or not you should reserve a unit in advance and where you’re going to want to reserve it.
There are a whopping 679 storage facilities in Atlanta itself, and while you can certainly search through our listings to find that best one in the city for your needs, you’re actually better off searching for storage in Marietta. Not only is this closer to the base, it’s cheaper. Compare the cost of renting a 5x5 storage unit at an Uncle Bob's Self Storage facility in Atlanta ($79.00 a month) versus the cost of renting a substantially larger 6x10 unit at an Uncle Bob's Self Storage facility in Marietta ($59.00 a month) and it’s easy to see why renting outside of the city is always a great idea. In this case, not only are you saving money by storing in Marietta instead of Atlanta, you’re getting more space. It’s kind of a no brainer. It might feel counterintuitive if you’re used to storing where you live (there’s no housing at Dobbins), but if you’re frequenting the area for work, you’ll still have easy access to your storage facility, making the need for special trips unnecessary. On another note, many military members stationed at Dobbins actually prefer to live in communities like Marietta, Smyrna and Four Oaks because in addition to offering affordable storage and a short commute to the base, they also offer reasonably priced housing and good local schools and hospitals.

Military Members and RV Storage

You’re already thinking about where to store your extra stuff, but have you given any thought to your RV? For military members who work hard in the Atlanta area, RV storage in Atlanta or in Marietta can really come in handy thanks to one major military perk. The Navy Lake Site is open exclusively to active duty military members, reservists, veterans and their families. It’s a lakefront destination in a secluded, wooded area that’s between Atlanta and Marietta, so storage in either location makes sense. The Navy Lake Site offers tent sites (this equipment can go in a standard storage unit), RV sites and cottages for rent. Boat rentals are available, but if you’ve got your own or are thinking of investing in one, remember that most facilities that offer RV storage offer boat storage too. The lake is just a half an hour away from Dobbins, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t factor in that famous Atlanta traffic. If your facility isn’t open 24 hours a day, plan accordingly, but if it is, feel free to sit back, relax, watch the sunset and enjoy a long Georgia summer weekend.

Military Discounts

You already know to use your military ID for a 20% discount at the Georgia Aquarium, $4 off at Zoo Atlanta, free admission at the High Museum of Art, free admission at the World of Coca Cola and special military appreciation days including free admission and a catered buffet at Six Flags (or at least you do now), but have you thought about using it to get a discount at your storage facility? Many facilities near the base or in the Atlanta area are happy to support the troops by offering discounts, but you should also take advantage of discounts through us. Mention StorageFront at East Cherokee Storage in Woodstock and you’ll get 50% off your first month. We recommend using that extra cash to have some fun around Atlanta. You’ve certainly earned it.

Atlanta, GA RV and Boat Storage

By now you’ve probably heard the horror stories about Atlanta driving (and Atlanta parking). We’re not going to lie to you and say that Atlanta is a big rig paradise with resort-style campgrounds on every corner, but we’re not going to discourage you from bringing your RV there either. Like a lot of cities, Atlanta is growing, bustling and totally accommodating to you and your RV if you exercise a little creativity and a lot of patience. One thing that can help make owning an RV or boat in the city that much easier is self-storage. There are 18 facilities in the Atlanta area that offer RV and boat storage. We know what you’re thinking; yikes! That’s a small number. We recommend reserving early, locking down a unit long term once you get one and following a few of our other tips on RV and boat storage in Atlanta.

Keep Your Baby Safe and Sound

We know how important the well-being of your RV or boat is. Atlanta is rapidly gentrifying, and while we’re not going to get into a discussion on whether or not this is a good thing, we will tell you what this means for the safety of your beloved extra vehicle. We’ve already established that your storage options for your boat or RV are pretty limited, but we still think it’s important for you to consider the safety of the neighborhood in which you’re storing it in. Use crime mapping to check out stats and of course, see the area in person before you commit to a lease. Atlanta has far more property crimes than it does violent crimes, which means that making sure that your storage facility is secure is crucial. Look for a facility with a gate system that only allows tenants and staff inside. If there’s actually security officers in place to patrol the property, that’s great but not necessarily common. Find out how often the facility manager and his or her staff walks the grounds. Ask about 24 hour security cameras. Most RV storage is typically in an open lot setting, so if you can find an indoor storage unit (this will look like a private garage), ask about individual door alarms. Check out the property’s fencing and lighting as well. Remember, these are features that will make you feel safe too if you’re going to be occasionally returning your RV or boat after dark.

Don’t Be Late

Atlanta drivers spend about 52 hours a year in traffic. While you can use public transportation to bar hop downtown, it doesn’t help you with driving to and from your campground of choice in an RV. Most outdoor recreation in Atlanta is at least 10 miles outside of the city. If you’ve been around the block a few times, you know how quickly a 30 minute drive can turn into hours of traffic in Atlanta. Places like the popular destination of Stone Mountain Park Campground offer tons of fun activities (Skiing? A cable car? The world’s largest laser show? We’re there.). Don’t cut your weekend short because your storage facility’s hours are strict. Opt for 24 hour storage. Fair warning: If this is a must for you when it comes to RV and boat storage, your already limited options get even more limited. Another route you can go is to store closer to a destination that you frequent, or talk to your facility manager about the possibility of allowing you later access in exchange for a slightly higher rent. Not all facility managers will be open to this, but if you’re renting through a smaller facility, rather than one that feels more corporate, you might be able to work something out.

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

Odds are, you’re going to end up storing your RV or boat in the lot style storage we mentioned earlier. The advantage to this type of storage is the price. The downside? Exposure to the elements. If you’re putting your baby to sleep in storage for a season, take the extra time to clean it out thoroughly. Remove cushions, if possible. Basically, you want to look for anything that is adversely affected by heat and anything that is adversely affected by moisture. That second one is the most important factor. Soft items absorb moisture more than hard items do. If you have to store kitchenware or other items inside your actual RV, store them in plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes, as cardboard is another material that wicks moisture. Make sure your RV is airtight and consider investing in a specialized fan to circulate air without letting outside moisture in. Last but not least, check your refrigerator and cabinets. That Atlanta heat plus a bunch of hamburger patties you forgot about? We don’t even want to think about it.

Atlanta, GA University Storage

It may be true that you can score a great education up north, but if you want warm weather, comfort food and that famous southern hospitality, you might want to consider Atlanta. Fortunately, there are 57 colleges and universities throughout its urban center and surrounding suburbs and an impressive 679 storage facilities in the area. You can check out all 135 facilities in our network, and while you’re at it, keep in mind that whether you’re a local or a transplant, the city’s wealth of corporations (AT&T, Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola to name a few) will likely impact your internship or post-college employment plans. Fortunately, the flexibility of storage facility leases typically allows you to rent short term, rent long term, switch unit sizes and even transfer to a unit in a different neighborhood (provided you’re sticking with the same company). During your university years in Atlanta, you’re bound to learn a thing or two. Let’s start with a lesson in student storage.

Storing Near Downtown

If you’re attending a school like Emory University or Georgia State University, you’ll be attending class and probably living near downtown Atlanta. These two schools have a combined enrollment of more than 40,000 students, many of whom will be looking for storage that they can access easily. Because rent on storage units tends to go up the further inside of a city you are (location, location, location), you should be prepared to spend a little more for the privilege of convenience. However, that being said, storage unit prices tend to reflect the cost of living in the area as well as their ability. The cost of living in Atlanta is pretty reasonable (though thanks to gentrification, it’s on the rise) and the number of storage facilities is large. This works in your favor. If you rent at a place like Uncle Bob's Self Storage on 14th Street, you can expect to pay the reasonable rate of $79.00 a month for a 5x5 unit. For the same space just a few miles outside of the city, this rate is lower by about $10 or $20. The price difference isn’t too drastic unless you’re really on a budget and looking to cut corners any way that you can. Your only real obstacle to locking down a unit at this facility is availability, as you’ll be competing with other students who desire the prime location. Our advice? Reserve as early as you can, but remember that not all facilities allow tenants to reserve super far in advance. A great backup options is to allow yourself some flexibility in unit size. Calculate how much space you need and determine your unit size based on that, but be willing to accept a slightly larger sized unit so long as the facility will let you go in on the space with a friend. This will help you save money. Plus it’s a huge bonus if that friend has a truck to help you move furniture. We’re not suggesting you only befriend people with trucks, but we’re not not suggesting it either. Of course, your storage facility can also be that friend with a truck. Choose a facility that offers truck rental and ease the pain of getting that super heavy dresser out of storage when it comes time to move from your dorm into an apartment.

Summer Storage

Atlanta’s pleasant temperatures during the school year coupled with the excitement of heading out for summer break make it easy to dump all of your stuff in storage and forget about it for a few months. Don’t fall for this temptation. In addition to figuring out your storage plans before everyone else does, you should also figure out whether or not you need climate control. These features vary from one storage facility to another, but any level of climate control will give you an advantage over leaving your belongings in an outdoor unit. Climate control in Atlanta will protect your items against the heat and the humidity. So how do you know whether you need climate control or not? Items that are most susceptible to damage from extreme temperature and humidity include electronics, leather, artwork, musical instruments, film, valuable books, antiques and wine (though if you’re like most college students, you probably don’t have a lot of extra wine lying around for too long). If you’re in the habit of filling your college apartment with cheap, curbside furniture that you’re planning on giving away or throwing away eventually, climate controlled storage might not be for you. However, if you care about the contents of your storage unit even just a little bit, spending the extra money is worth it.